by and by meaning

• 1. At some future time
  2. Before long, presently
  3. In the course of time
  4. In succession, in order of succession (obsolete)
• 
  [American idiom]
  after a period of time has passed. (Most often seen in children's stories.)
  • By and by the bears returned home, and can you guess what they found?
  • And by and by the little boy became a tall and handsome prince.
  
• 
  [American slang]
  at some time in the future; as time passes.
     The weather's sure to clear up by and by.
    You may think your heart is broken, but you'll feel better by and by.

Examples

1. by and by it became apparent that he had acted as my agent.
2. by and by papa got too handy with his hickory and i couldn't stand it.
3. by and by mrs. melbury came upstairs with a slight air of flurry and abruptness.
4. but by and by he fell asleep where he sat, and pretty soon a mule fell down the chimney.
5. by and by came my little puppy, and then my cup was full, my happiness was perfect.